THE TIMELESS CONFESSION...
The most effective way of teaching someone to be kind is by being kind myself. If I keep my word, respect my appointments, do not backbite… then, it is quite easy for me to teach the virtue of these things to others. In fact, there is no need for me to teach, if I really practice what I intend to preach… The other person sees what I do, how I behave… and, he likes me for that; he trusts me… respects me. If this is the wavelength from which I expect him to learn from me, he would. Not otherwise… No one really likes to learn from a hollow person… One who doesn’t practice what he preaches. I still remember all those people – some teachers, some relatives, some friends and some neighbors – who I had immensely liked for some of their fine behavior… I would come home and talk excitedly about them, their words and deeds, to my parents, particularly my mother. And, yes, she would listen to me with apt attention and great delight… ...